Quantum leap for women in defence

Looking through history of the moves of the Indian Defence forces to break the glass ceiling, the most transformational one has been to allow women in combat. The Army chief, General Bipin Rawat recently stated “I am looking at women coming as jawans. I am going to start it soon. Firstly we will start with women as military police jawans”. The statement has brought in some light into the hopes of many women who aspire to be one among the many men who fight for the country.

In the process of restructuring

The journey of women to excel in a highly male dominated field was no bed of roses. The move to include women into combat has come after series of discussions, dialogues and assessment in the defence field. Till 1992, the role for women were only restricted to the medical field as nurses but later the doors were open for them in aviation, logistics, law and executive jobs. Presently lady officers are inducted only into the short service commission and permanent commission only in the medical branch for doctors and nurses.

Former defence minister Mr Manohar Parikkar stated that women are restricted in the front due to ‘apprehensions of their safety’, however the statement by the army chief indicates that these apprehensions have been considered and the solution to it is by empowering women to handle their own safety.

Fifteen countries in the world, such as US, UK, Germany etc., allow women in combat roles. India has recently also inducted three women fighter pilots to analyse their performance to test if this task is fit for women to be considered. This ‘pilot’ exercise assures confidence among women to work in the front.

Assessment

In order influence women to join the armed forces could be the ulterior motive of this action. Many women aspire to fight for their country; this move could be the first step to transform dreams of many women into reality. The prime resource of India is its demographic dividend; with nearly 62 per cent of the entire population belonging in the working age category, employment in defence is appropriate for not only the men but the women as well. Such policies could reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

Is this one step closer towards development? However, has it taken too long for the Indian defence forces to consider the possibility of women in the field? A surge in women’s participation can be seen with an increase in such opportunities, not only excel but for to be empowered as well. Nevertheless, will this induction initially only as military police jawans dampen the aspiration for women to serve as officers is to be analysed.